Enter the mass of the planet and the radius of that planet into the calculator below to determine the escape velocity.

Escape Velocity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the escape velocity from any planet or large object.

ev = (2* M * G / R)^0.5

  • Where ev is the escape velocity (m/s)
  • M is the mass of the planet (Earth = 5.972 × 10^24 kg)
  • G is the gravitational constant (6.674 * 10^(-11) N * m^2 / kg^2)
  • R is the radius of the planet (m) (Earth = 6.371 million)

In the case of the earth, the escape velocity will depend on the values for mass and radius presented above. The escape velocity is solely dependent on these two values. It’s important to note that this velocity is the speed needed to leave the planet, not to orbit. That value is called the first cosmic velocity. While the escape velocity is considered the escape velocity.

Escape Velocity Definition

An escape velocity is a velocity that an object needs to travel to escape the gravitational pull of a larger body.

How to calculate escape velocity?

How to calculate escape velocity?

  1. First, determine the mass of the planet.

    Calculate the mass of the planet or larger body.

  2. Next, determine the radius of the planet.

    Measure or calculate the radius of the planet or larger object.

  3. Finally, calculate the escape velocity.

    Calculate the escape velocity using the equation above.

FAQ

What is an escape velocity?

Escape velocity is the speed required for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a planet or large object.